Nissan Frontier D22. Manual - part 716

WHEEL HUB AND KNUCKLE

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FAX

WHEEL HUB AND KNUCKLE

PFP:40202

Removal and Installation

EDS0013J

WAX029

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WHEEL HUB AND KNUCKLE

WAX026

AUTO-LOCK FREE-RUNNING HUB

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AUTO-LOCK FREE-RUNNING HUB

PFP:40260

Description

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Auto-lock free-running hubs are locked by placing the transfer case into the 4WD mode and moving the vehi-
cle. They are unlocked by placing the transfer case into 2WD mode and moving the vehicle in reverse gear in
a straight line for at least 2–3 meters (7–10 feet).
In most cases, the “ratcheting” noise sometimes heard in auto-lock free-running hubs occurs when one hub is
locked and the opposite hub is unlocked. The noise is heard in the side opposite to the locked hub. For exam-
ple, if the noise is heard at the left front wheel, the right front hub is still locked and is not unlocking. This con-
dition may be caused by a mechanical condition in one of the hubs or by incorrect operation on the part of the
vehicle driver, for example by not backing up in a straight line to unlock the hubs, by not backing up enough, or
by shifting into 4WD at too high a vehicle speed, etc.
The ratcheting noise does not necessarily cause damage to the good hub. If the noise is caused by incorrect
operation, counsel the driver of the vehicle. If replacement is necessary, replace only the defective parts. It is
not necessary to replace auto-lock free-running hubs in pairs.
Use the trouble diagnosis chart to isolate the cause of the noise. Refer to 

FAX-12, "Trouble Diagnosis For

Noise"

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Removal and Installation

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1.

Remove auto-lock free-running hub assembly.

AAX008

SFA828B

FAX-12

AUTO-LOCK FREE-RUNNING HUB

2.

Remove snap ring.

3.

Remove spindle washer and fixed cam assembly.

4.

Install fixed cam assembly. Be sure to align the tabs of the fixed
cam assembly to the notches of the knuckle.

CAUTION:

During installation, apply recommended grease to the parts.

5.

Place the spindle washer and then the snap ring over the axle
shaft positioning them between the two locking grooves.

6.

While supporting the axle shaft behind the knuckle, use an
appropriate sized deep socket to securely seat the snap ring into
the inner locking groove.

CAUTION:

Visually verify that the snap ring is fully seated into the locking groove.

7.

After installing auto-lock free-running hub, check operation.

Inspection

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1.

Check axle axial end play. Refer to 

FAX-25, "Installation"

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2.

Inspect fixed cam (thrust washer) assembly. If this part shows evidence of galling or heat damage—usu-
ally caused by too little axle axial end play—replace as necessary. Check axle axial end play if this part is
replaced. Refer to 

FAX-25, "Installation"

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3.

Inspect hub assembly. Hold inner splines on a finger and spin the outer body. If the hub shows signs of
damage, or if there is excessive metallic clicking when the hub is spun, replace with a new one.
NOTE:
New hubs are greased during manufacture. No additional grease is required.
New hubs are supplied with fixed cam assemblies.

CAUTION:

Any hub, the original or a new one, should go onto the axle freely by hand and fit flush against its
seat. If it does not fit flush, do not pull the hub into place by tightening the bolts.  The hub is pos-
sibly misaligned inside and tightening the bolts will cause damage. Remove the hub and turn to
align correctly before continuing.

4.

Once repair is complete, test drive to check for correct operation and the absence of noise.

Trouble Diagnosis For Noise

EDS0013N

AFA143

Symptom

Possible cause

Repair order

Ratchet noise in hub after shifting the transfer 
case into 4WD at speeds higher than 40 km/h (25 
mph).

Shifting into 4WD at higher speeds 
is difficult and may cause damage 
to transfer case

Stop the vehicle or decrease speed to less 
than 40 km/h (25 mph). Return the transfer 
case lever to the 2H position once, then re-
shift to the 4H position. Move forward until 
the hubs lock.

Ratchet noise in hub after shifting or attempting to 
shift the transfer case into 4WD at speeds less 
than 40 km/h (25 mph).

Transfer case was not fully engaged 
or shifting was stopped halfway so 
that only one hub locked

Make sure the 4WD lamp on the dash is 
"ON" when shifting into 4WD. Slow or stop 
the vehicle. Shift into 2H, then back to 4H. 
Move forward until the hubs lock.

Ratchet noise in hub after shifting the transfer 
case into 4WD on snowy or muddy roads or on 
slopes.

If the rear wheels slip during the hub 
locking operation, noise can occur 
in the hubs

Reduce engine speed and drive forward 
slowly. The hubs will lock evenly and the 
noise will stop.

Ratchet noise in hub after shifting the transfer 
case into 2WD and backing up to unlock the hubs.

The hubs may not be fully released

Stop the vehicle, make sure the transfer 
case lever is fully in the 2H position, then 
back up slowly in a straight line at least 2-3 
meters (7-10 feet).